Poker is a game of cards that can be played with one or more players. The goal is to make a high-ranked five-card poker hand by betting on it against opponents who must choose to call the bet or fold. Players can also bluff, trying to trick other players into thinking they have a good hand when in reality they do not.
The first step in learning poker is to get a feel for the rules and basic strategy. This includes understanding the different types and variants of poker and how much money can be won or lost. Then it is a matter of learning the different hand rankings and what beats what.
In a standard poker game players start with 2 cards each and then place mandatory bets into the pot before seeing their hands called the ante and the blinds. These forced bets create an incentive for people to play the hand and encourage betting.
After the initial betting round is complete a third card is dealt face-up on the table called the flop. This is a community card that anyone can use and another betting round starts with the player to the left of the dealer.
To win the game you need to beat other players in a showdown by raising your bets and making them call yours when you have a strong hand. This requires some basic math skills and the ability to read your opponent’s bets and EV estimation, but these things will come naturally as you learn.